January 22nd, 2021
Text: Romans 8:18
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. (NRSV)
Even though God can and does redeem the bad, there is no arguing that suffering exists. We can’t look around our neighborhoods, let alone the world, and say that evil does not exist, injustice does not exist, suffering does not exist.
The age-old question of why bad things happen to good people (or theodicy) continues to plague the minds of many. I have my own answers to those questions and others answer the questions in different ways. But the truth of the matter is that we are all guessing. If our answers could be a proven fact, then the question would cease to exist because we would know the answer.
This text is one that brings me comfort no matter what the answer to the questions of “why” happen to be. This text reminds me that “this” is not all there is. That a world that is broken and filled with evil and sin, filled with pain and suffering, filled with injustice and abuse of power, is NOT all there is. And the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us when this mortal body puts on immortality and we are raised in the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15).
While we are in this time of brokenness, we are called to live out the Kingdom life God offers us through Jesus Christ. We are called to ease the pain for others. We are called to intercede for those who are powerless. We are called to be the hands and feet and voice of Jesus to a world that suffers. But someday, we will be in the presence of God’s glory with exceeding joy and we will not be able to even compare it with the experiences of today.
Pray with me:
God of glory and God of love, speak your words of comfort and courage into our spirits as we seek to live out your love in ways that heal this world you have created. Remind us of the great love you have for us through Jesus Christ that will ultimately bring us into your incomparable glory with rejoicing. AMEN.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. (NRSV)
Even though God can and does redeem the bad, there is no arguing that suffering exists. We can’t look around our neighborhoods, let alone the world, and say that evil does not exist, injustice does not exist, suffering does not exist.
The age-old question of why bad things happen to good people (or theodicy) continues to plague the minds of many. I have my own answers to those questions and others answer the questions in different ways. But the truth of the matter is that we are all guessing. If our answers could be a proven fact, then the question would cease to exist because we would know the answer.
This text is one that brings me comfort no matter what the answer to the questions of “why” happen to be. This text reminds me that “this” is not all there is. That a world that is broken and filled with evil and sin, filled with pain and suffering, filled with injustice and abuse of power, is NOT all there is. And the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us when this mortal body puts on immortality and we are raised in the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15).
While we are in this time of brokenness, we are called to live out the Kingdom life God offers us through Jesus Christ. We are called to ease the pain for others. We are called to intercede for those who are powerless. We are called to be the hands and feet and voice of Jesus to a world that suffers. But someday, we will be in the presence of God’s glory with exceeding joy and we will not be able to even compare it with the experiences of today.
Pray with me:
God of glory and God of love, speak your words of comfort and courage into our spirits as we seek to live out your love in ways that heal this world you have created. Remind us of the great love you have for us through Jesus Christ that will ultimately bring us into your incomparable glory with rejoicing. AMEN.
Tagged with God\\\'s Glory, God\'s Glory, suffering, comfort, Kingdom of God, injustice, resurrection
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